Cytomegalovirus-associated protein-losing enteropathy resulting from lymphangiectasia in an immunocompetent child.

Cytomegalovirus-associated protein-losing enteropathy resulting from

lymphangiectasia in an immunocompetent child.

Jpn J Infect Dis. 2009 May

Hoshina T, Kusuhara K, Saito M, Hara T, Mtsuura S, Yano T, Aoki T, Hara T.

Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. hoshina@pediatr.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp

An immunocompetent 8-year-old boy with cytomegalovirus (CMV)-associated transient protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is described. Colonoscopic examination revealed lymphoid hyperplasia of the terminal ileum. Histological examination of the biopsied specimens showed marked dilation of the lymphatic vessels. Primary CMV infection was demonstrated by serological test and polymerase chain reaction. The child had complete resolution of the disease without antiviral treatment. The present case suggests the etiologic role of CMV infection in PLE resulting from intestinal lymphangiectasia in childhood.

NIH